Scholarship Application: Engineering to Protect Water Resources

Water, water, everywhere. Nor any drop to drink. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The above epigraph underscores the plight of many nations today. Indeed, natural disasters of all ilk but particularly flooding events, have far-reaching and devastating consequences for communities across the globe. The loss of life, displacement of entire populations, and long-lasting economic impacts are just a few of the tragic outcomes that are associated with extreme water events. Compounding this issue, climate change has exacerbated the frequency and severity of these events, making them more destructive and costly than in the past. The statistics paint a sobering picture: an alarming 8 out of the 10 years with the highest number of natural disasters have occurred within the last decade. Flooding and severe storms, in particular, are on the rise, with a staggering 45% of all flooding disasters having taken place since 2013. These figures underscore the urgency and importance of addressing...

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, I am confident that it is possible to overcome the engineering challenges posed by climate change and create a more sustainable future for all humankind. This challenge is monumental, of course, but as noted above, the stakes are higher than ever before and there is…